US Down

Well, the US has been eliminated from World Cup play. This makes me sad. Like most Americans, I don't watch soccer much, not least because I don't have cable. During this tournament, however, I have really begun to appreciate the sport. I like how it commands the attention and arouses the passion of virtually the entire world. There's something very communal about this love of sport, even if, by the same token, the bitter rivaries spark violence among fans. I even don't mind that the US team is far outmatched at the moment and has to accomodate itself to the dominant styles of the likes of Italy and the Czeck Republic. My hope is that soccer will become more popular in the States and that the US team will eventually cause other countries to adjust to its prowess. For the time being, though, I'll have to rout for Italy. Which team do you want to win?

Papelbon

The Sox are on a role, as they mow down Washington to take a two game lead over the Yanks. With what looks to be a solid lefty in Jon Lester, which is just what the Sox need in the lineup, given the recent woes of David Wells, things are looking up. However, a key, if not the key, to this season's strong start has to be rookie closer, Jonathan Papelbon. This guy is incredible. Bill Simmons marvals at the kid and explores the dilemma that faces the Sox--closer or starter?--over at espn. Now if I can just afford to get tickets to a game.

Bye Bye Zar-QA-wi

For updates on the military strike leading to al-Zarqawi’s death, check out the counterterrorism blog. Bill Roggio has information up on the role of Task Force 145. Make sure you blow up the map to see the scope of the operations culminating in the eventual "termination" of al-Qaeda's leader in Iraq.

UPDATE:
Aljazeera (English net version) cites the AP report, as does the Jerusalem Post, which adds the intriguing bit of info that al-Zarqawi's wherabouts where determined in part through analysis of his last video tape.

Austin Bay tells us what this killing means in the grand scheme of things and cites a Strategy Page post examining the recent deterioration of relations between the terrorist in Iraq and al-Qaeda's top leadership. Does this raise the possibility that information on al-Zarqawi's location was offered up by those acting on the behest of Osama and company? I don't know.

Kudos to the Jordan intelligence services, renown for their operative skills, for intelligence they might have gained that led to al-Zarqawi's death.

UPDATE:
Milblogs react, a few of them also suggesting that al-Zarqawi was sold out by his own. (Hat tip: Michelle Malkin.)

Mark of the Beast

Is the mark of the beast really 666 or, rather, is it 616? See David Parker’s (of the University of Birmingham) explanation of the two choices presented us by manuscript evidence. (Hat tip: Mark Goodacre.)

Sport Beatdowns

Kevin Hench at Fox Sports has a list of the top ten beatdowns in sports. Of course I don’t condone such brutality—yuck yuck—but you should check out the article. Let me know which is your favorite. Personally, I like #8.

24 and the Divine Narrative

Mark Driscoll poses the question everybody's been thinking but is afraid to ask: Is Jack Baur a type of Christ? Beyond the superficial similarities, it is most interesting that, despite our short attention spans, we are still captivated by story, even when it involves complicated plot twists, character development, and (most difficult of all) suspense. It's certainly up for debate whether 24s popularity has more to do with its story character or merely its topical elements, which include violence and betrayal. (Hat tip: Steve McCoy, who elsewhere links to a Robert Webber article arguing for the importance of refocusing on the importance of story vis-a-vis the divine narrative.)

What I wonder, first of all, is whether a focus on story can renew within us (read: me) a sense of God-permeated existence. If it can, how can we recapture and recast the divine narrative without sacrificing (as many might fear) truthful propositional speech about God? Or is the latter even a legitimate goal?

Dead Sea Scrolls in KC

Portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls will be on exhibit in Kansas City next year.  If anyone has a chance, go see the exhibit; it’s well worth it.  (Hat tip: Jim Davila.)

I had the good fortune to see the Scrolls in Israel a few years back.  The religious fervor spawned in part by contemporary political circumstances led the Qumran communities to commit themselves to an extremely ascetic and scripturally observant lifestyle.  One might ask what circumstances or mentality would be required to spark a similar level of devotion among Christians in our time.  What would that look like?  Any thoughts?

Updating

So, I'm in the gradual process of updating the blog. My plan is to expand--and eventually categorize--links to include more biblical studies, faith-and-culture, and missional-minded blogs. I will, however, maintain and even expand my (perhaps?) idiosyncratic list of Middle East-related blogs. Beyond this, I aim to give more time and space to actual reflection, which, I hope, will lead to interaction with any out there who happen across this blog. Stay tuned.

Friday Caca

Here's a little Friday etymology for the kiddies. I don't know why, but I've always been fascinated by poop--maybe it's because, seen from two different perspectives, it's alternatively ordinary and sensible or uterly disgusting--and I count myself lucky to know the history of caca. Cheers!